The world has changed a lot since COVID-19 first darkened our doorways. Many businesses have taken a major hit over the last few months. But one day, the world will recover, a vaccine will be created, and we’ll pick up the pieces the best way we can.

At some point, different governments around the world will relax restrictions, and businesses will start to reopen. However, reopening doesn’t mean it will be business as usual. There will be things to consider to ensure everyone’s safety as doors begin to open.

Ask yourself, what can I do to make my business as safe as possible for everyone? What new health and safety rules should be enforced? How will you deal with customers in a post-COVID world? Only time will tell but planning how you’ll reopen is a great start.

Safety first

When reopening, safety procedures for staff and customers or clients will be a huge priority. No matter how much our situation with COVID-19 improves, we cannot go back to normal, not just yet anyway. We need to continue to do our part to prevent spreading the virus, and we will need to take twice as many precautions.

Make sure you stay up to date on new local regulations and guidelines, and have a list of safety measures, much like the following:

• Enforce the six-foot rule.
• Staff should wear face masks and gloves.
• Customers and clients should also wear masks
• Hand sanitizer and soap should be available for both customers and employees.
• The working space should be disinfected regularly, especially after certain supplies and equipment have been used.
• Limit the number of customers allowed into the establishment at any given time.
• Grant working from home status to certain members of staff, if possible.
• Sample and display items should be taken down, so no food should be handed out to customers in deli’s, and kid’s bikes should not be test ridden in toy stores.
• Disposable items should be readily available. For example, restaurants may wish to hand out paper menus that can be recycled after each use, rather than laminated multi-use menus that could retain bacteria.

Check-in with vendors on supply availability

Whether it’s stock for your store or office supplies for your tech team, you’re going to need to double-check supply availability. Some companies will take longer to reopen than others and will have limited supplies, so make allowances for this.

Take inventory of what you already have so you know what you need to order. Taking stock early will help ensure you have everything on hand that you need to reopen your business.

Communicate social distancing measures and opening hours to customers

One of the trickiest parts of running a business during this pandemic is communication. It’s difficult for customers and clients to know what your company is doing and how you’re doing it.

Opening and closing times, social distancing procedures, vulnerable customer hours, and so on. Having this information available is vital for everyone.

Put it on your website, post it on social media, and probably most importantly, update your signage. Whether you’re a grocery store that needs to let customers know how to safely distance when standing in line, or a car dealership in need of flags to let customers know you’re open; people will rely on visuals to learn more.

Drive-thru services will need much larger signage so potential customers can see that they’re open from a distance.

The Corporate Graphic Center offers signage solutions for your social distancing needs, flattening the curve and keeping your business as safe as possible. We offer the following and much more:

• “Wait Here” signs.
• “Yes, we’re open!” signs.
• Temporary opening and closing hours signs.
• Hand-washing instructions.
• “We’re closed, but not for long!” signs.

Let’s stop the spread together.

Do you want to re-build your brand? We enhance profits for clients by providing expert branding solutions and promotional advice, as well as supporting their printing needs. Call 954.838.9318 or contact us online and let us know how we can help you!